NikonNet honors photographer Rosanne Pennella : Professional photographers will tell you that to succeed as a pro takes more than skill. One needs dedication, planning and even a little luck. Rosanne Pennella added self-confidence, courage, passion and inspiration to this combination. This August, NikonNet's inspiring monthly, "Legends Behind the Lens," honors the work of admired travel photographer Rosanne Pennella, a woman who took a chance and pursued her passion. "NikonNet is pleased to honor the images and extraordinary career of Rosanne Pennella in this August's 'Legends Behind the Lens," said Anna Marie Bakker, General Manager of Communications at Nikon Inc. "She's been an inspiration for so many years."

Rosanne Pennella - Photography
Pennella started her career path as a practicing attorney. She worked in top litigation firms and with federal judges but wasn't fulfilling her destiny. What she really loved to do was travel, and when she put that love together with her aptitude for photography; she came up with a plan. Pennella gave herself five years to pursue a career as a professional photographer, and if it didn't work out, she decided it wasn't meant to be. Her dedication and determination paid off when her career had reached a point that far exceeded her expectations.

Pennella - keen for small details
In order to be a successful attorney, Pennella needed a keen sense of detail, which has carried over in her work with her subjects. When working on commercial projects Pennella is sure to check everything involved in the shot from the props to the settings on her D2X or D70. But her diligence shines through her intimate portraits. When lecturing on travel photography, Pennella suggests getting close to your subjects to establish a level of intimacy; not just proximity, but to connect on an emotional level as well. Pennella never brings out the camera until she gets to know her subjects. She strongly believes in achieving some level of interaction with people, to show concern and let her subjects know she's not there to just shoot and run. Most importantly though, when the natural opening comes, Pennella says it is vital to know what you want to do and how to use your equipment to get you there. "If you are frazzled and not working efficiently, you won't be able to make a connection with people."

Pennella - career of success
Pennella's approach has led to much success. She has worked with the tourism boards of China, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Morocco and Hungary. Furthermore, she has traveled and photographed places all over the world, from cloud forests in Central America to cremation ceremonies in Bali and everywhere in between. The exposure to different cultures has generated excitement back in the United States where Pennella's work was displayed in Union Station in Washington D.C, the Paul Weinshenck Gallery in New York City and the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey in addition to her images that have been published in national magazines.

Photo District News Annual Award 2001
The photography world has not failed to recognize Pennella's talents. She was the recipient of Photo District News Annual Award in 2001. Moreover, in 2002 she photographed polio and landmine victims as well as the monuments of Angkor Wat to benefit American Friends of the Cambodia Trust. Pennella is also the sole photographer to receive financial support from this photography project sponsored by Nikon and Lowepro.

Rosanne Pennella - Teaching at The New School in New York
One of Pennella's favorite quotations is from the great photographer Dorothea Lange. "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." This is one of the many lessons Pennella's students take away from her classes. She teaches travel photography at The New School in New York and regularly takes part in American Photo magazine's Mentor Series. Pennella has found that teaching has made her a better photographer and has pushed her photography to another level.

Pennella - Inspiration to photographers all over the world
Pennella is an inspiration to aspiring photographers everywhere. Her motto is simple: "The first person who has to be convinced of your ability is you." Thankfully, Pennella's confidence in herself and her abilities have placed her in an elite group of travel photographers and for this reason, we can call her a Legend Behind the Lens.